FC Wichita Falls, a member of the US Arena Pro Soccer League, announced Wednesday a joint effort with the city of Wichita Falls Parks and Recreation Department and MPEC for the 2019 Youth Soccer League.

The Wichita Falls soccer league will span mid-April through July, and participants will compete on the same turf as the professional FC Wichita Falls players, according to the announcement.

"Youth soccer leagues are such an important part of developing skills early on and building a foundation and love of soccer," said Stephanie Tucker, league owner. "It also really builds confidence to get to work with their favorite players and to be able to show their individual skills while also working as a team.

"It's such a fun way for the kids to get involved, and being able to play on the turf is really exciting for them. We love to be a part of that."

Parents can register their children at www.wichitafallsathletics.com, and the deadline to sign up is April 13, 2019.

All participants will receive a free T-shirt and one free ticket to each FC Wichita Falls game during the 2019 season.

FC Wichita Falls, which begins its inaugural season May 4 vs. FC Lubbock, has signed 11 players, including former Rider standouts Christian Okeke and Josh Peloquin. Coach Brandon Swartzendruber, who spoke at Wednesday's press conference, told the Times Record News that the team hopes to have a roster in the 15-16 range.